91 Points- Connoisseurs' Guide
Golden yellow with perfect clarity, this clings to the glass after a good swirl displaying its viscous moving legs. Fresh, tropical notes of pineapple, kiwi, and peach followed by melon, lime and fresh apple on the palate. Exceptionally long, this wine’s crisp and balanced acidity makes it the perfect pairing with filet of sole, pork loin and savory goat cheese.
Vintage
High rain fall at the beginning of the season, a mild winter, and then finally transitioned into a beautiful spring. There was an early bud break and flowering, followed by sunny days and high temperatures through June and August.
Vineyard
This Sauvignon Blanc grapes in our American Canyon and Carneros vineyards in the southern tip of Napa Valley, near San Francisco Bay. The clay soils retain water, allowing us to dry farm, and the coolness slows ripening and retains acidity. The grapes develop a crisp liveliness that is impossible to achieve in warmer areas. About 80% of our Sauvignon Blanc is planted to the Musqué clone, which provides elegant floral aromatics. All farmed all our vineyards naturally, without artificial pesticides or herbicides, and they are certified organic.
The Wine
Relying on naturally-occurring yeasts, they fermented a portion of the grapes in 900-gallon French oak casks, called foudres, with the remainder in oak barrels. Then aged the wine for six months on its lees (the spent yeast) in neutral barrels. On the nose, the wine displays fresh, tropical notes of pineapple, kiwi, and peach followed by melon, lime and fresh apple on the palate. The wine’s crisp and balanced acidity makes it the perfect pairing with filet of sole, pork loin and savory goat cheese.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Napa Valley Estate
Harvest date: Aug. 25 - Sept. 4, 2017
Sugar: 22.5 Brix (average)
Fermentation: indigenous yeast
Total acid: 7.9 g/L
pH: 3.12
Aging: 6 months on lees inneutral barrels
Type of oak: French oak; 10% neutral barrels, 90% 900-gallon casks
Bottling date: March 2018
Release date: January 2020
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
93 Points
Big, forward bouquet with pear, golden apple, apple blossom, and dried orange peel. Loads of lime and grapefruit on the palate, maintaining balanced acidity and freshness. Subtle notes of honey and white flowers add depth to this lively wine.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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